Earlier this month, the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, and Minister for Defence Industry, Hon. Pat Conroy MP alongside Fiji Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, signed two Memorandum of Understandings (Mou) on Port Infrastructure and Services.

The signing of the MoU is practical example of cooperation under Australia’s Vuvale Partnership with Fiji, and demonstrates its commitment to work with Fiji to strengthen the maritime sector. 

Under the Port Infrastructure and Services MoU, Fiji Ports Authority Corporation Limited (FPCL) and Australia also signed an agreement to support upgrades to Lautoka Port via the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.

The Informing upgrades to Fiji’s Lautoka Wharf project supports FPCL with a feasibility study to develop the foreshore area within the Port of Lautoka. The study assessed various aspects of the wharf, including its infrastructure such as Kings Jetty, berths, sheds, warehouses, and cargo handling equipment.

Minister Conroy said that Australia will also support Fiji’s ambitions to revitalise its shipbuilding and ship repair sector to help facilitate safe, efficient, and reliable efficient maritime transportation in Fiji and across the region over the medium to long term.

“The MoU provides a framework for greater cooperation in Fiji’s maritime sector and demonstrates Australia’s commitment to work together on port infrastructure and services, including in shipbuilding and ship repair.

“We are also supporting Fiji to deliver on its critical infrastructure needs. The AIFFP is now the second largest infrastructure financer in the Pacific, and through the AIFFP, we are providing over FJD 200 million in loan, guarantee and grant financing to Fiji,” Minister Conroy added.

Fiji Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka said that Australia's commitment to assisting in the upgrade of Fiji's ports aligns with the Ocean of Peace concept proposed as a visionary goal for the Pacific region.

He acknowledged AIFFP's support in revitalising Fiji's shipbuilding industry and transforming the nation into the Pacific's major port of entry and transshipment hub, leading to increased job opportunities, specialized skillsets, and economic stimulation.

Australia’s support is bolstering the health care system through improved energy security in the rural community of Tetere in Solomon Islands.

The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) through its Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP) in partnership with Superfly Limited is investing SBD1.5 million to install a solar hybrid system supplying sustainable and consistent energy generation for the Good Samaritan Hospital.

The Good Samaritan Hospital, based in Tetere, provides essential healthcare services for over 43,000 people, particularly women who depend on it for maternity care and child health services. Located outside the Honiara electricity grid, it is currently reliant on diesel-fuelled electricity generation, which is costly to run, prone to failure, and contributes to climate change. It also puts patients and hospital staff at significant risk due to unreliable energy and pollution.

Through this two-year partnership, local electrical company Superfly will install a solar-hybrid system, which will meet energy generation needs for the hospital, enabling local community members to access a safer and more resilient healthcare setting. 

Superfly will also build the capacity of the hospital staff to monitor and maintain the system safely and will also use data-driven insights from the system to understand how to develop scalable models for future fuel-switching projects for other remote communities in Solomon Islands and the greater Pacific.

Announcing the project at a community event, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Mr Andrew Schloeffel said, “Australia is very proud to be part of a project that supports the Good Samaritan Hospital to reduce its reliance on costly, imported diesel fuel.”

By switching to the solar hybrid system, the partnership is projected to reduce 510 tonnes of CO2 emissions over 10 years. 

The PCIFP expands the AIFFP’s climate investments by partnering with businesses to deliver reliable and sustainable renewable energy to remote and rural communities in the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

This initiative supports Solomon Islands’ Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy, which is to boost electricity access outside of Honiara from 4.9 to 40 per cent by 2025, in working towards 100 per cent access to electricity by 2050.

A transformative collaboration between Australia and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) is not only reshaping Fiji's transport landscape but is also providing better access to markets for local Fijian women vendors.

The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) is a four billion program under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that partners with governments and the private sector in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, to provide grant and loan financing for high-quality, transformational energy, water, transport, telecommunications and other infrastructure projects. One such project in the Pacific is Restoring roads and bridges across Fiji.

The AIFFP in partnership with the Fiji Government has provided an AUD72 million concessional, results-based financing package, to support the island nation in repairing and updating its roads and bridges. The financing package includes a grant of AUD14.7 million for the project. This project is designed to bolster Fiji's post-pandemic economic recovery while simultaneously enhancing its resilience to climate change.

The project includes the renewal or resealing of more than 1.5 million square metres of road surface and the replacement of nine critical bridges which will have up to a 100-year design life, with the ability to withstand a one in 100-year rainfall event. This targeted infrastructure investment forms a cornerstone of Fiji's efforts to promote economic growth and ensure safe, reliable transport networks for its citizens.

In addition to major economic disruption as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fiji has experienced three cyclones in the past two years which have caused hundreds of millions of dollars worth of damage to infrastructure and livelihoods. Infrastructure that is climate resilient will help to ensure transport networks remain connected, improve safety and protect against increased travel time and costs.

More than just concrete and steel, this project is a beacon of economic empowerment, which will create local jobs and integrate climate data for ongoing resilience. The overall project  promises safer roads, reduced travel costs, and heightened economic activity. But the impact transcends infrastructure – it reaches the heart of communities including women vendors in these communities who now have improved access to nearby markets to sell their produce and make a living for their families.

One such community member is 46-year-old, Salaseini Seruvatu of Kasavu, Naitasiri Province who now has access to improved transport and market access due to the upgrade of the Wainawi bridge.

‘I’ve lived in Kasavu all my life and the old bridge was very bad as it was in poor condition. There were potholes in the bridge, and this was patched up badly with metal-like substances. When crossing the old bridge, I used to feel unsafe. We had to cross the bridge to get to the shop that is located on the other side, just to buy basic food items and it was a risk. We used to worry about our children who had to travel on buses on the bridge when the weather was bad, the drivers would not come and as a result, our children would miss school’.

‘We the people of Kasavu are grateful to Australia and the Fiji Government for the new upgraded bridge. The bridge upgrade has helped us in our safety. Most of the women in Kasavu, including myself sell our produce such as mussels, sea produce and fresh vegetables at the nearby markets, and before when we sold our produce, on good business days, we were worried about falling tree branches and soil erosion. Now thanks to the bridge upgrade we get the best of both worlds- good for business and more importantly our safety and security’, Mrs Seruvatu added.

Similar sentiments are shared by another Kasavu resident, Ana Ledua. Mrs Ledua is also a mussel seller and says the upgrade of the Wainawi bridge has been a game changer for her and her family.

‘Mussel selling is my major source of income, that is how I can support my family. Previously I would only go to the manaarket to sell my produce once a week. It was a safety concern for us, and I would make between AUD 40-60 dollars, now with the new improved bridge I sell mussels and fresh fish three days a week and my income has increased to AUD 150-200 dollars a week’.

‘This means I can provide a better life for my family. Vinaka vakalevu Australia and FRA, for this safer bridge that is not just helping me but other women, men, and children in Kasavu. Not only do we feel safer, but we also have better access to health centres, markets and schools,’ Mrs Ledua added.

The project’s road renewal contractors are all locally registered and employ a majority of local Fijian workers and support the renewal or resealing of road surface throughout the country, as well as the replacement of nine critical bridges to ensure that the road network remains connected, promoting economic activity and access to socio-economic opportunities for local communities.

The AIFFP is proud to contribute to the restoration of Fiji's roads and bridges, bringing economic growth, job creation, and improved access to markets for local vendors, particularly empowering Fijian women.

The project is on track for completion in January 2025. 

Australia’s High Commissioner and Special Envoy for the Pacific & Regional Affairs, His Excellency, Ewen McDonald attended the opening ceremony of the newly constructed Vuniyasi Bridge in Nadi on 23 February 2024, alongside representatives from the Fiji Roads Authority. In his keynote address, His Excellency said the new bridge marked another milestone in the strong Vuvale Partnership between Fiji and Australia, underscoring the shared vision for quality and resilient infrastructure. 

The construction of the new Vuniyasi Bridge was supported by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) under the ongoing Restoring roads and bridges across Fiji project, a FJ$117 million investment that has enabled the resealing of 1.5 million square meters of road surface throughout Fiji and the replacement of nine critical bridges on Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu. 

The Vuniyasi Bridge, which spans 69 meters in length, serves as a critical transportation link between major towns and cities located on the Eastern half of Viti Levu and the Western Division, via the Queen’s Highway. It is the only link along Queen’s Highway to Nadi Town, tourism hubs, Nadi international airport and greater parts of the Western Division. 

To ensure the new bridge is climate resilient, it has a 100-year design life and the ability to withstand a one in 100-year rainfall event. It has also been built two meters higher than the old bridge to mitigate the risk of overtopping.  

The project comes as part of Australia’s Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership, delivering climate infrastructure which assists our Pacific and Timor-Leste partners mitigate, adapt, and build resilience in the face of changing climate.

Australia is committed to supporting Fiji and our broader Pacific family with further critical transport infrastructure upgrades in the years ahead.
 

The first two Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships for the Pacific and Timor Leste through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) have been announced.

Through these two partnerships, AIFPP will invest $854,500AUD in the delivery of reliable and sustainable renewable energy to remote and rural communities in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

It includes:

• $609,500AUD investment in accelerating access to renewable energy and jobs for remote Papua New Guinea communities through a partnership between Sola Paygo, MiBank and the Australian government. This partnership was announced through a joint communique between Prime Minister Albanese and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Hon James Marape MP.
• $245,000AUD investment in generating energy security for essential healthcare in the Solomon Islands through a partnership between Superfly Limited, the Good Samaritan Hospital and the Australian Government, announced by Minister Pat Conroy, Minister for International Development and the Pacific.

The Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships are part of the Australian Government’s Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP) initiative to expand AIFFP’s climate investments by partnering with businesses to deliver reliable and sustainable renewable energy to remote and rural communities in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, implemented by the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP). 

Potential partners were invited to apply between 23 August and 23 October 2023, with 74 applications from nine different countries received by the closing date.

Further partnerships will be announced soon.

Find out more about the partnerships here.

The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific will provide a USD150 million grant and concessional loan package to Papua New Guinea to support the repair and upgrade of key energy assets. The commitment was confirmed during Prime Minister Marape’s visit to Canberra on 8 February 2024.

The financing will be used in the refurbishment of Ramu 1 hydropower plant, construction of the Gerehu transmission substation and the installation of smart meters in businesses and residences across PNG.

Under its Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership, Australia is also contributing to a new solar entrepreneurs partnership, which is expected to deliver rural renewable energy for up to 4,000 households in the Milne Bay and West New Britain Provinces.

These improvements will increase access to reliable and sustainable electricity for communities in cities towns and remote villages, allowing for improved economic opportunities and access to health and education services.

The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) has disbursed initial tranche of grant funds as part of its support to upgrade two critical boat harbours in the Nui and Niutao outer islands, Tuvalu.

Funding of USD7 million was released for the Enhancing boat harbours across Tuvalu project last month, with the AIFFP’s support totalling AUD21.4 million.

Through the project, the AIFFP is working with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of Tuvalu to improve and construct new harbour facilities on Nui and Niutao outer islands.

Maritime transport is vital to Tuvalu's economy, the new boat harbours will improve connectivity for passengers and cargo travelling between Tuvalu’s capital and the two outer islands.

The AIFFP’s support to the project was announced in August 2023 in a visit to Tuvalu by Minister for International Development and the Pacific the Hon Pat Conroy MP and marks the second AIFFP project to be jointly co-financed with the ADB.

The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) is pleased to announce the release of the inaugural AIFFP Annual Update, providing a comprehensive overview of the AIFFP’s activities, achievements, and impact to date. 

As of 30 June 2023, the AIFFP has announced AUD 1.2 billion in financing towards 13 projects across eight countries. Each project has been developed in close consultation with Pacific partners in line with each country’s national priorities in key sectors such as energy, transport and urban infrastructure, telecommunications, airports and maritime.  

The AIFFP is committed to responsible and sustainable lending practices and works closely with partners to develop flexible and tailored finance packages. Since 30 June 2023, the AIFFP has committed further financing for projects in the region, giving the AIFFP a total portfolio of 16 projects worth AUD 1.3 billion. 

The Annual Update highlights the AIFFP’s commitment to achieving development outcomes, with all projects designed to meet the highest international standards on social and environmental safeguards, optimisation of job creation and economic opportunities for local workers and firms.  

Australia, through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), is partnering with Fiji Ports Corporation Limited to provide AUD380,000 for a feasibility study to inform the redevelopment of the Lautoka foreshore, located within the Port boundary.

The grant agreement was signed on 22 November between Fiji Ports Corporation Limited CEO, Varija Piyasena and His Excellency Ewen McDonald, Australian High Commissioner to Fiji and Special Envoy for Pacific and Regional Affairs.

The feasibility study will forecast requirements to 2030, 2040 and 2050, and comprise an assessment of current conditions, operations and facilities.

With the growth in the volume of cargo and passengers arriving and departing within Fiji’s shores this will assist in managing future capacity constraints, providing support to Fiji’s economic growth and the jobs that come with it.

The foreshore’s feasibility study is the fourth project in Fiji funded under the AIFFP, and the first investment in maritime infrastructure. The AIFFP’s projects in Fiji include upgrades to Fiji’s international and outer island airports; improvements to roads and bridges; and efforts to reduce flood risk.

Australia and Fiji are longstanding partners and friends and Australia is proud to play a role in enabling Fiji’s vision for Lautoka Foreshore.